The Imperatives

We can use the imperative to give a direct order.

1. Take that chewing gum out of your mouth.
2. Stand up straight.
3. Give me the details.

We can use the imperative to give instructions.

1. Open your book.
2. Take two tablets every evening.
3. Take a left and then a right.

Shall

We don't use 'Shall' very frequently in modern English, particularly in American English.

It is used to make offers and suggestions and to ask for advice.

·         What time shall we meet?

·         Shall we vote on it now?

·         What dress shall I wear?

·         Shall I open the window?

You only really need to know that about 'shall' in modern English. Read the rest of this only if you want to know more about how some older speakers still use 'shall'.

Will- other uses

Older textbooks often refer to 'will' as 'the future tense' and this has confused a lot of learners.

It is important to remember that when we talk about the future we cannot always use 'will' and that when we use 'will' we are not always talking about the future.

Here 'will' is clearly referring to the future.

• If I speak to her, I'll tell her about it.
• I'll probably visit Sue when I go to Oxford.
• Next birthday she'll be 32. Or so she says.

In these examples, however, 'will' is referring to events happening at the present.

• The car won't start.
• If that's the phone, I'll get it.
• Will you have another cup of coffee?

Presents form for the future

We use the present continuous to talk about things that we have already arranged to do in the future.

·         I've got my ticket. I'm leaving on Thursday.

·         I'm seeing Julie at 5 and then I'm having dinner with Simon.

·         He's picking me up at the airport.

·         The company is giving everyone a bonus for Christmas.

In many situations when we talk about future plans we can use either the present continuous or the 'going to' future. However, when we use the present continuous, there is more of a suggestion that an arrangement has already been made.

Going to or Will

When we want to talk about future facts or things we believe to be true about the future, we use 'will'.

·         The President will serve for four years.

·         The boss won't be very happy.

·         I'm sure you'll like her.

·         I'm certain he'll do a good job.

If we are not so certain about the future, we use 'will' with expressions such as 'probably', 'possibly', 'I think', 'I hope'.

·         I hope you'll visit me in my home one day.

·         She'll probably be a great success.

·         I'll possibly come but I may not get back in time.

·         I think we'll get on well.